How AI is transforming education — but potentially impacting child development

Special How AI is transforming education — but potentially impacting child development
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Young students attend a lecture on artificial intelligence and robotics during a science exhibition conducted by the King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh. (SPA file photo)
Special How AI is transforming education — but potentially impacting child development
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As AI’s influence in education expands, experts warn of potential drawbacks — particularly when it comes to young children. (AN file)
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Updated 20 February 2025
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How AI is transforming education — but potentially impacting child development

How AI is transforming education — but potentially impacting child development
  • AI has enabled personalized learning by adapting content to students’ pace and style, offering interactive, gamified experiences
  • However, experts warn that excessive AI use may impact early childhood cognitive growth and reduce real-world learning

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries across the globe, and education is no exception. From personalized learning experiences to administrative efficiency, AI is reshaping classrooms and redefining the roles of both teachers and students.

However, as AI’s influence in education expands, experts warn of potential drawbacks — particularly when it comes to young children.

AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly prevalent in education. According to a 2024 report by the UK-based digital safety organization Internet Matters, nearly 44 percent of children are currently using AI, and 54 percent have incorporated it into school assignments.

The report, titled “Artificially Intelligent? Children’s and parents’ views on generative AI in education,” found that teachers, too, are integrating AI into their daily tasks, with 60 percent reporting that they use the technology to enhance their work.

The adoption of AI in education reflects a broader global trend. Experts at Allied Market Research project the market for AI-driven educational tools will grow from $2.5 billion in 2022 to $6 billion by the end of 2025, highlighting the increasing reliance on technology in schools.

Opinion

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In Saudi Arabia, the government has embraced AI’s potential in various sectors, including education. The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, established in 2019, aims to drive innovation in AI and position the Kingdom at the forefront of data-driven economies.

For educators, AI presents exciting opportunities to enhance learning experiences.

“AI has transformed education by personalizing learning experiences, allowing for tailored content that meets individual student needs,” Faleh bin Saad Al-Huqbani, director of Al-Muqaddimah Schools in Riyadh, told Arab News.

By adapting content to a child’s pace and learning style, AI enables more individualized instruction, helping students grasp difficult concepts with greater ease. Additionally, AI-powered tutoring systems provide real-time feedback and support, reinforcing learning outside the classroom.




Young students attend a lecture on artificial intelligence and robotics during a science exhibition conducted by the King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh. (SPA file photo)

“AI tools can engage children with interactive and gamified learning environments, making education more enjoyable,” Al-Huqbani added.

Beyond the classroom, AI is also streamlining administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching rather than paperwork. Automated grading systems, data analysis tools, and AI-powered lesson planning are freeing up valuable time for teachers to engage with students more effectively.

While AI’s impact on education is largely positive, some experts caution against its overuse — especially among young children.

Dr. Sultan Ayoub Meo, professor of physiology at the College of Medicine at King Saud University, stresses the importance of cognitive development in early childhood, warning that excessive reliance on AI and electronic devices could have unintended consequences.




Dr. Sultan Ayoub Meo. (Supplied)

“It is not just a natural biological maturation; it is shaped by the infant’s experiences and interactions with their environment,” Dr. Meo told Arab News.

“Children’s cognitive development from birth to 5 years of age is critical due to rapid brain growth and acquiring initial knowledge in thinking, learning, problem-solving, language, and understanding.”

Dr. Meo believes AI has an important role to play in higher education, but he does not recommend its use for children under the age of 6.




While AI has an important role to play in higher education, Dr. Meo does not recommend its use for children under the age of 6. (SPA file photo)

“In this age group, the most important and highly sensitive systems, nervous and endocrine systems, and their physiological processes are rapidly developing,” he said.

He also pointed out potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to AI-enabled devices. “Using AI for children at the age of 6 can cause behavioral and psychological issues,” he said.

“We cannot deny the effects of electromagnetic field radiation generated by AI-allied devices and their hazards on various body organs, including the brain, ears, and eyes, especially in infants and children.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• AI is transforming education, with 60 percent of teachers using it to automate grading, analyze data, and streamline administrative tasks.

• Experts warn that excessive AI use may impact early childhood cognitive development and reduce real-world learning opportunities.

• Experts advocate balancing AI with traditional education to ensure students develop both technological and interpersonal skills.

Despite these concerns, Dr. Meo acknowledges that AI is now an integral part of education and research.

“This is the era of science and technology,” he said. “The future of digital education is extremely important in academia and research. Digital education makes knowledge easily accessible and enables students to access the same knowledge resources.”

In addition to making education more accessible, AI facilitates lifelong learning and skill acquisition, helping students meet the demands of an evolving job market. However, Dr. Meo highlighted the importance of being selective in how and when AI is introduced in the classroom.




KAUST Academy focuses on talent development in AI with programs targeting outside learners. (Supplied/File)

“It will be helpful at higher school and university levels rather than primary schooling,” he said. “Digital education at primary school levels may replace real-world learning and human interaction.”

While AI’s impact on education is undeniable, experts agree that a balanced approach is necessary. AI should complement, rather than replace, traditional teaching methods, ensuring that students continue to benefit from human interaction and hands-on learning experiences.

“We must balance technology with traditional teaching and learning methods,” Dr. Meo added.
 

 


‘Taste of Saudi Culture’ to delight London foodies

Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)
Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)
Updated 14 June 2025
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‘Taste of Saudi Culture’ to delight London foodies

Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)
  • From jareesh to rose-infused ice cream, the Kingdom serves up flavor, tradition, hospitality

RIYADH: For the third year in a row, Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission will participate in the Taste of London food festival, held in Regent’s Park from June 18 to 22.

Through its “Taste of Saudi Culture” pavilion, the commission promotes cultural exchange, showcases the richness of Saudi culinary heritage, and highlights the Kingdom’s culinary excellence.

Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)

The pavilion will feature immersive activities celebrating the diversity of Saudi cuisine, including live cooking demonstrations by skilled Saudi chefs.

Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.

HIGHLIGHT

Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.

Beyond food, the pavilion will include interactive cultural elements reflecting Saudi heritage, such as traditional henna art and colorful Asiri rose headbands.

Guests will be welcomed with premium dates and Saudi coffee — timeless symbols of Saudi hospitality, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Handcrafted ice cream infused with traditional Saudi ingredients like dates, Taif rose, and Jazan mango will also be served, offering authentic flavors with a modern twist.

A variety of refreshing cold drinks made from local ingredients will complement the experience, the SPA added.

A boutique section will feature signature Saudi products like maamoul (date-filled cookies) and unique Saudi coffee, blending retail, culture, and taste into an immersive journey.

This participation underscores the commission’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the depth of Saudi culinary arts and sharing the Kingdom’s vibrant food culture with global audiences.

 


Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli attack on Iran with British, Turkish leaders

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (File)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (File)
Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli attack on Iran with British, Turkish leaders

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (File)
  • Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed latest developments in the region and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the repercussions of Israel’s military operations against Iran with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a phone call on Saturday.

The call comes a day after Israel launched a blistering surprise attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing a number of top generals. The two countries continued to trade blows on Saturday.

Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed the latest developments in the region and the importance of exerting all efforts to de-escalate and resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Later on Saturday, Prince Mohammed spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders reviewed developments in the region following Israeli strikes on Iran, SPA said. 


Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
  • During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. 

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.

They also discussed regional and international developments and their implications on the security and stability of the region.


Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call
Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, both diplomats discussed discussed measures to support the Syrian people on both humanitarian and economic levels.

Their talks also focused on the latest regional and international updates.


Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week
Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 9,639 people in one week for breaching residency, work, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Of those, 5,625 were arrested for residency violations, 2,797 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and 1,217 for labor-related offenses.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom — including providing transportation or shelter — could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.